Steelers - Ravens: Gameday inside slant

Week 11 in the NFL sees the Ravens (2-7) hosting AFCN rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2). We take a quick look at what to look for on each side of the football and what each team needs to do to win.

When the Ravens have
the football

Anticipate more maximum-protection schemes after last week's debacle
where the offensive line faltered and quarterback Kyle Boller held the
football too long as he was sacked four times. The Steelers feature a
fierce pass rush headlined by outside linebackers Joey Porter and Clark
Haggans' five sacks apiece.

The Ravens have mostly been successful at throwing exclusively to
Derrick Mason and Todd Heap, but need to include some secondary targets
like rookie Mark Clayton. That will require better reads and
accuracy from Boller who stared down receivers with laser vision last
week for three interceptions. The Ravens had some success throwing
against the Steelers on Halloween, but struggled in the red zone and
two-minute drill. Boller has shown some ability in the past to get the
job done in those situations, better than backup Anthony Wright.

Key matchup

TE Todd Heap vs. S Troy Polamalu. Two of the best athletes at their
respective positions should be worth the price of admission. Heap can
stretch the field and Polamalu combines range and aggression.

How the Ravens can win

1. Exploit Tommy Maddox's inaccuracy. The Steelers' starter is prone to
miscues with three interceptions, 42.9 percent accuracy and a 32.6
passer rating.
2. Try to run the football. Jamal Lewis managed to get 61 hard-fought
yards on 17 carries the last time against Pittsburgh, which surrenders
only 82 rushing yards a game.
3. Be wary of play-action. Rookie tight end Heath Miller scored twice on
goal-line throws built off run fakes in the first meeting, dusting
safety Will Demps each time.

When the Steelers have the football

Watch for a good opening script from offensive coordinator Ken
Whisenhunt, a crafty play-caller who does a nice job of disguising
screens, slants and sweeps. The Steelers run basic, fundamental plays,
but mask their intentions with a lot of bells and whistles. It's a smart
gambit worth copying. Since Tommy Maddox is under center, they may be
more careful than usual since he's not as mistake-free as starter Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger underwent arthroscopic knee surgery for
an injury incurred against Baltimore.

The Steelers might use receiver Antwaan Randle El on occasion at
quarterback. He has one completion for 51 yards already this season and
is averaging 8.6 yards per carry.

1. Pound the football. The Ravens looked highly susceptible against the
run last week, allowing 133 rushing yards. Fast Willie Parker is back,
and his team averages 136.9 rushing yards.
2. Blitz at will. The Ravens surrendered four sacks last week, have a
new right guard due to an injury to starter Keydrick Vincent and the
Steelers have 25 sacks.
3. Go after Chris McAlister. McAlister gave up a touchdown last week and
has struggled over the years against Steelers' all-time leading receiver
Hines Ward. Ward seems to get inside the cornerback's head with his
taunts.

In addition to being a long time contributor to RavensInsider, Aaron Wilson writes for the Carroll County Times in Westminster Maryland.

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